Lions Defy Influence Peddlers - Field a full house to evour Hawks. (30.01.2002)
It was a scanty "Stade Bambemba Traore" in Sikasso last evening that saw the Indomitable Lions devour the hapless Hawks 3-0. Not even the numerous Malian supporters of the lions gave the match any importance, shifting the centre of attention to the Côte-d`Ivoire versus Congo DR hurdle.
In the field of play, the appearence of Mboma, Eto, Njitap and that crew took many by surprise. With the upcoming quarter-finals, it was said that the principal Lions will give room to the reserve bench. Growing rumours of attempts by profesional influence peddlers parading the "CAN Village" gave authorities in Sikasso second thoughts. The decision to field a full house was said to have been taken instantly, to avoid giving the impression of match fixing.
The activities of the President of the association of Cameroonians resident in Burkina Faso around the Lions came under scruntny. Minister of Youth and Sports, Bidoung Mkpatt a few days ago
issued orders prohibiting unauthorised persons from visiting the Lions. That said, the line-up of the Lions for the match of yesterday was expected to respect its most classic format with minor modifications.
Principal absentees were Wome and Etame Mayer, but the presence of Mettomo, Ngom Kome and Djemba did not alter the mobility of the mmid-field. Playing without much pressure, the Lions sent goalie Agassa Kossi three times into his net to retrieve the ball. The three million victory bonus remains a prime motivator. As at today, the Lions already have their individual coffers CFA sixteen million. The colourful presence of hundreds of Lions supporters in the satdium cheering every action of the team is an indication of quality or organisation put in place recently in Sikasso. The delegation from the Ministry of Culture has been co-ordinating the numerous groups for a coherent display of the Cameroonian cultural hritage, even in the stadium.
